Despite high ratings for Estevao and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s defensive frailties against long throws resulted in a disappointing 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
Chelsea’s final outing of 2025 ended in frustration as they were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
While the first half was a breathless affair featuring four goals, the second period saw the Blues struggle to find a decisive breakthrough.
Despite a late surge led by the returning Estevao, defensive lapses on set pieces ensured the points were shared.
Robert Sanchez: 6.0
The Spanish goalkeeper was left exposed by his backline for both goals but remained a vital presence throughout the match. He initially saved David Brooks’ effort before the captain converted the rebound and later made several sharp saves to keep the score level. His distribution was generally reliable, earning him a solid score despite the lack of a clean sheet.
Josh Acheampong: 5.7
It was a challenging evening for the young defender, who struggled to cope with the physical intensity of the Bournemouth attack. He was caught out of position during the build-up to the opening goal and appeared hesitant when dealing with long throw-ins. His early struggles led to his eventual substitution as Maresca sought more defensive stability.
Wesley Fofana: 6.1
Standing out as Chelsea’s top-rated defender, Fofana was a dominant force in individual duels and aerial battles. He constantly mopped up danger and attempted to organize a shaky back four amidst the chaos of the first half. His composure on the ball and recovery speed were essential in preventing Bournemouth from adding to their tally.
Trevoh Chalobah: 6.0
Chalobah had a difficult time managing the visitors’ set-piece threats, most notably failing to clear a long throw that led to Justin Kluivert’s equalizer. While he was comfortable in possession, his defensive positioning was questioned during key moments of the first half. He struggled to maintain the same level of authority as his partner, Fofana.
Malo Gusto: 6.3
Operating as an inverted full-back, Gusto was active in the buildup but lacked his usual clinical edge in the final third. He provided width when needed but found himself overrun at times during Bournemouth’s rapid counter-attacks. It was a workmanlike performance that lacked the creative spark required to break down a low block.
Moises Caicedo: 7.0
The midfielder was a busy presence in the engine room, breaking up play and recycling possession effectively. While he lost the ball in a dangerous area that nearly led to a second Brooks goal, he recovered well to dominate the middle of the park in the second half. He provided the necessary grit to allow the attackers to push forward.
Enzo Fernandez: 7.2
Fernandez produced one of the game’s highlights with a world-class strike into the top corner to briefly give Chelsea the lead. His passing range was on full display, and he remained the creative hub of the team throughout the 90 minutes. Only a late missed opportunity from 12 yards out prevented him from being the match-winner.
Estevao: 8.0
Returning from injury, the Brazilian sensation was arguably the best player on the pitch. He won the penalty for Palmer’s equalizer and tormented the Bournemouth left side with successful dribbles and incisive runs. He remained the primary threat in a slower second half, forcing an impressive save from Petrovic late in the game.
Cole Palmer: 7.1
The talisman was reliable as ever from the penalty spot, clinical in slotting home Chelsea’s first goal. He was at the center of most attacking moves before his controversial substitution just after the hour mark. The decision to withdraw him was met with loud disapproval from the home crowd, reflecting his continued importance to the side.
Alejandro Garnacho: 6.6
Starting on the flank, Garnacho provided the assist for Fernandez’s goal with a sharp square pass but was otherwise kept relatively quiet. He struggled to consistently beat his marker and found himself drifting out of the game for long periods. His work rate was high, but the end product was missing during the second-half stalemate.
Liam Delap: 6.5
The striker faced a physical battle against the Bournemouth center-backs and often found himself isolated. While he worked hard to hold the ball up and bring others into play, he had very few clear-cut sights of goal himself. He was eventually replaced as part of a triple substitution as Chelsea searched for a different attacking dynamic.